Pressing machine and control



v. w. TUCKER 3,279,106

' PRESSING MACHINE 'AND CONTROL Oct. 18, 1966 Filed March 20, 1964 5Sheets-Sheet 1 b & i 3% E f x U Q Q l: 81. I

\ 1 I, M 111W g II I 1 g In" I INVENTOR. IVA 66W? M T G Q Oct. 18, 1966v. w. TUCKER 3,

PRESSING MACHINE AND CONTROL Filed March 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 MFIG. 2.

Oct. 18, 1966 v. w. TUCKER 3,279,106

PRESSING MACHINE AND CONTROL Filed March 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct.18, 1966 v. w. TUCKER PRESSING MACHINE AND CONTROL 5 Sheets-Sheet 4Filed March 20, 1964 \NQ Ag BY 2 E Amt/v.

AUTOEMEVS Oct. 18, 1966 v. w. TUCKER 3,

PRESSI NG MACHINE AND CONTROL Filed March 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 01A5! INVENTOR. V/IVCF/W' W TUCXEQ BYMYQ E United States Patent 3,279,106PRESSING MACHINE AND CONTROL Vincent W. Tucker, South Portland, Maine,assignor to Ametek, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of DelawareFiled Mar. 20, 1964, Ser. No. 353,359 36 Claims. (Cl. 38-40) The presentinvention relates to pressing machines, and in particular to an improvedgarment-pressing machine and control.

The well known garment-pressing machine comprises a frame, a stationarybuck on the frame, and a movable pressing head pivotally mounted on theframe for movement relative to the buck from an opened position removedfrom the buck into a pressure-applying position in high pressureengagement with the buck. Various controls have been suggested for suchstandard pressing machines, which are used primarily by clothingmanufacturers, dry cleaners and laundries, to enable the autopressinghead relative to the stationary buck for the purpose of reducingoperator fatigue, achieving uniformity in pressing from garment togarment and like objectives. However, there exists a need for a pressingmachine wherein the pressing head is movable into multiple discretepositions relative to the buck, with the facility to attain suchmovement on a semi-automatic or manual basis and with the ability toselectively apply either steam or vacuum to the stationary buck andmovable head in such multiple discrete positions.

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedpressing machine which realizes one or more of the aforesaid objectives.Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention toprovicle a pressing machine suitable for use in garment manufacturing,dry cleaning and laundry establishments which is capable ofautomatically providing multiple discrete positions for the stationarybuck and movable head relative to each other under operator control tofacilitate the handling of the diverse garments and materialsencountered on a day-to-day basis.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects andfeatures of the present invention, there is provided a pressing machinewhich comprises a frame, a stationary buck mounted on the frame and amovable pressing head mounted on the frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to the buck including an opened positionremoved from the buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to the buck, a contact position in contact or zero-pressureengagement with the buck, and a pressure-applying position inhigh-pressure engagement with the buck. Actuating mechanisms areprovided for selectively moving the head relative to the buck whichactuating mechanisms include first means operatively connected to thehead for moving the head between the open and standofi positions, secondmeans operatively connected to the head for moving the head between thestandoff and contact positions, the third means operatively connected tothe head for moving the head between the contact and pressure-applyingpositions. Preferably the three means of the actuating mechanisms eachembody a separate piston and cylinder assembly appropriate for pneumaticoperation. Control mechanisms are operatively connected to the actuatingmechanisms for selectively moving the head in multiple closing andopening sequences including, without limitation, a first closingsequence from the opened position successively into the standoff,contact and pressure-applying positions, a second closing sequence fromthe opened position directly and successively into the contact andpressure-applying positions, a first openingsequence from thepressure-applying position direct.-

3,279,106 Patented Oct. 18, 1966 "ice ly to the opened position, asecond opening sequence from the pressure-applying position into thecontact position, and a third opening sequence from the pressureapplyingposition directly into the standoff position.

Pressing machines constructed in accordance with the present inventionhave a number of practical advantages when used at the manufacturinglevel where materials and new garments are steamed and/or pressed and atthe servicing level where cleaned garments are pressed and to someextent rejuvenated by the selective exposure to steam. The ability toestablish the standoff position wherein the movable pressing head is inspace confronting relation to the buck at a preset but adjustable distance (which may be of the order of one and one-half inches) enables themachine operator to process garments of pile fabrics and lengths of suchpiece goods. High pile fabrics made to simulate furs and knittedmaterials having pulled naps must be carefully steamed and pressed toavoid damaging the sub-base of such fabric or garment. For example, withthe movable pressing head in the standoff position, top steam may beapplied to a garment made of a high-pile synthetic such as to press andcondition the pile without applying either heat or moisture to thesub-base. Additionally, or alternatively, the operator may apply bottomsteam through the stationary buck which steam pases upwardly through thesub-base and appropriately treats the nap, with the pressing head in thestandoff position serving as a hold down for the garment of fabric.

A further advantage in accordance with the present invention resides inability to move the pressing head from the pressure-applying position tothe standoff position, with the subsequent release from the standoffposition to the open position which sequence of movements of thepressing head relative to the buck precludes the tendency to lift thefabric or the garment from the stationary buck before being thoroughlydried with the attendant risk of wrinkling the same.

Still further advantages reside in the ability to repetitively move thepressing head between the standoff and contact positions to achieve apatting action on the fabric or garment, with or without the applicationof steam and/or vacuum and to apply pulsating high pressure byrepetitively moving the pressing head between the contact andpressure-applying positions.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated byreference to the following detailed description of a presentlypreferred, but nonetheless illustrative embodiment in accordance withthe present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a pressing machine embodyingfeatures of the present invention with parts broken away and shown insection, and illustrated in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view on an enlarged scale, with partsbroken away and sectioned to show the internal construction of thepressing machine and with the movable head shown in an opened positionremoved from the stationary buck;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 2, but showing themovable head in the standoff position in spaced confronting relation tothe stationary buck;

FIG. 4 is a schematic and diagrammatic view showing the actuating andcontrol mechanisms for achieving the multiple movements of the instantpressing machine; and,

FIG. 5 is a schematic and diagrammatic view of a service control for theselective, operator controlled, application of steam and/ or vacuum tothe stationary buck and the movable pressing head.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, and in par- 'to thehorizontal (see FIG.

ticular to FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, there is shown a pressing machineembodying features of the present invention and generally designated bythe reference numeral 10..

' incorporating all of the controls presently contemplated,

it will be appreciated that in some instances all of the illustratedcontrols may not be required for a specific end use of the pressingmachine.

, The pressing machine .10 includes a frame 12 having a horizontallyextending table 14. Extending above the table 14 is a stationary buck orlower pressing head 16 which is supported on an appropriate standard 18.As is generally understood and seen best in FIGS. 2 and 3, ahead-supporting yoke 20 in the form of a doublearm lever is pivotallymounted on the frame 12 rearwardly of the stationary buck 16 at ahorizontally-extending yoke shaft 22. The upwardly and forwardlydirected arm 20a of the yoke 20 carries a movable or top pressing head24. The oppositely directed arm 20b of the yoke 20 is operativelyconnected to pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms whichselectively move the pressing head 24 into multiple discrete positionsrelative to the stationary buck 16 including an opened position removedfrom the buck 16 wherein the pressing head 24 is disposed at an angle ofapproximately 55 relative 2), a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to the buck 16 (see FIG. 3), a contact position in contact orzero-pressure engagement with the buck 16, and a pressure-applyingposition in high pressure engagement with the buck 16. The contact andpressure-applying positions are not specifically illustrated, but forall intents and purposes are visually the same as the FIG. 1 position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pneumatically-controlledactuating mechanism 26 for the movable pressing head 24 includes a firstcylinder and piston assembly 28,30 which is operatively connected to thepressing head 24 for moving the pressing head between the open positionof FIG. 2 and the standoff position of FIG. 3, a second cylinder andpiston assembly 32, 34 operatively connected to the pressing head 24 formoving the pressing head between the standoff position of FIG. 3 and thecontact position, and a third cylinder and piston assembly 36, 38 formoving the pressing head 24 between the contact position and theposition. Specifically, the cylinder 28 of the head-standoff actuatingassembly is mounted for displacement relative to the frame at a cylinderpivot 40 on a mount ing lever 42 which in turn is pivotally mounted at alever pivot 44 on the frame 12. The piston 30 of the head-standoffactuating assembly 28, 30 is pivotally connected to the arm 20b of theyoke The cylinder 32 of the head-contact actuating assembly 32, 34ispivotally mounted on the frame 12 at the cylinder pivot 48, while thepiston 34 thereof is pivotally connected by pivot 50 to the end of themounting lever 42. It will thus be appreciated that the head-standofl"cylinder and piston assembly 28, 30 maybe displaced as a function of thestroke of the piston 34 of the headcontact cylinder and piston assembly32, 34 and the leverage ratio determined by the effective lengths of therespective lever arms between the pivots 44, 40 and the pivots 44, 50.

Movement of the pressing head 24 from the opened position (FIG. 2) tothe standoff position (FIG. 3) occurs when air is introduced into thepressure end of the cylinder 28, with the stroke of the piston 30 beingadjustable by turning the threaded cylinder head 28a of the cylinder andvarying the correspondinglimit travel of the piston head within thecylinder 28. In a typical application,

pressure-applying 20 at the pivot 46..

the standoff position of the pressing head .24 is established inrelation to the stationary buck 16 to provide 'a clearance therebetweenof approximately one and. onehalf inches, with this standoff spacingbeing adjustable within an upper and lower range of approximatelyonequarter of an inch by means of turning the threaded. cylinder head28a on the off-pressure side of the cylinder 28. Further adjustments inthe spacing of the pressing head 24 relative to the stationary buck 16in the standoff position may be attained by making available internaladjustments within the head-standoff cylinder and piston assembly 28, 30as is generally understood.

The head-standoff cylinder and piston assembly 28,;

30 operate against counterbalancing springs 50, 52 which a normally biasthe yoke 20 and the head 24 to the open position. The springs 50, 52 aremounted at their lower ends on respective pivotal mounts 54, 56 and areopera-' 6 tively connected at their upperv ends to a cross head 58pivotally connected by cross head shaft 60 to the yoke 20, as isgenerally understood. As is conventional in pressing machines of thistype, there is further provided a hydraulic check 62 having a check'arm64 which is connected via a check connecting linkage 66 to the crosshead shaft 60 and to the yoke-20. It will be appreciated 1 that thestandoff position for thermovable pressing head 24 is in equilibriumposition wherein the force. of the first piston and cylinder assembly28, 30 balances the oppositely directed force exerted by thecounterbalance= springs 50, 52, taking into account the effective massesof the mechanical components at the opposite sides of the yoke shaft orpivot 22.

Movement of the pressing head 24 from the standoff position into thecontact position in contact or zeropressure engagement with thestationary buck .16 is achieved by activation of the head-contactactuating assembly 32, 34. This rocks the mounting lever 42 in theclockwise direction about the lever pivot 44 and displaces, the extendedhead-standoff actuating assembly 28, 30 in a direction to move thepressing head 24 into zero-presv sure contact with the stationary buck16, as may be appreciated .by progressively inspecting FIGS. 2 land '3.The head-contact actuating assembly 32, 34 is of the type including aninternal return spring, as are the others, which tends to retract thepiston 34 to the illustrated position and, in this sense, counteractsthe positive stroke of the piston. By adjustment of the force exerted bythis internal return spring, and presuming that the avail-z able airsupply pressure in the system remains constant, such return springenables the operator to make changes. in the contactor zero-pressureengagement of the press-. ing head 24 with the buck 16 when in thecontact positiong: The head-pressure actuating assembly 36, 38 of thepneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms 26 :includes a cylinderpivot 68 at the base of the frame-12. upon which the cylinder 36 ismounted and a connecting.

head 70 secured to the piston 38. The connecting head 70' is coupled viaa toggle linkage 72 to the arm 20b of the yoke 20. The toggle linkage 72includes driver link i 74 which is pivotally mounted on the frame '12 atpivot 76, a connecting link 78 which is pivotally connected to the arm20b of the yoke'20 at a pivot 80, and a knee pivot 82 connected betweenand connecting links 74, 7'8 and to the connecting head 70 on the piston38. As may be appreciated by progres-. sively inspecting FIGS. 2 and 3,the toggle links 74, 78 r approach an in-line position with respect toeach othernas' the pressing head 24moves to the contact position suchthat a relatively short stroke of the piston 38 of the head-. pressureactuating assembly 36, 38 will manifest itself as. a relatively largepressure between the head 24 and the buck 16.

Briefly, and by way of review, it will be appreciated that the pressinghead 24 may be moved in a first closing sequence from the open positionto the standoff position by activation of the head-standoff actuatingassembly 28,

theadjacent ends of the driver 30, may then be moved from the standoffposition to the contact position by activation of the head-contactactuating assembly 32, 34, and finally may be moved from the contactposition to the pressure-applying position by activation'of thehead-pressure actuating assembly, 36, 38. Further, by conjointactivation of the piston and cylinder assemblies 28, 30 and 32, 34, itis possible to move the pressing head 24 in a second closing sequencefrom the open position directly into the contact position; and then byactivating the pressure-applying piston and cylinder assembly 36, 38 tomove the pressing head 24 from the contact position into thepressure-applying position. Plural opening sequence may be achievedincluding a first opening sequence wherein the pressing head 24 movesdirectly from the pressure-applying position to the open position, asecond opening wherein the pressing head moves from thepressure-applying position into the contact position, and a thirdopening sequence wherein the pressing head moves from thepressure-applying position directly into the standofi position. Furtherand in this connection, the pressing head 24 may be moved from thecontact position directly to the open position and from the contactposition, to :the standoff position and then to the open position. Sincea better understanding of the invention may be derived from aconsideration of the movement control diagram of FIG. 4 and the servicecontrol diagram of FIG. 5, further specific reference to FIGS. 1 to 3will be dispensed with, it being understood that the various valves andcontrol elements are physically located on the pressing machine 10, butthat their detailed illustration would unduly complicate the drawingsand not materially contribute to a better understanding of theinvention.

The pneumatic position control illustrated in FIG. 4, includes thestandoff-position actuating mechanism 28, 30, the head-contact actuatingmechanism 32, 34 and the headpressure actuating mechanism 36, 38. Theillustrated control for such cylinder and piston assemblies includes sixhand controls and one pedal control, namely, a single manualstandoff-position control 84, identical right and left manualcontact-pressure controls 86, 88, identical right and left manualpressure-release control-s 90, 92, a manual pressure-position control 94and a pedally-operated contact-position control 96. As seen best in FIG.1, these controls are located at the front edge of the table 14 in easyreach of the machine operator, with the right hand controls 86, 90 beinglocated one above the other, the left hand controls 88, 92 likewisebeing located one above the other and the single standoff-positioncontrol '84 being disposed immediately to the right of the left handcontrols 88, 92. The pressure-position control 94 is mounted on themovable pressing head 24 immediately to the left of the top steamcontrol, while the direct contact-position control 96 is disposed atfoot level at the base of the frame 12.

Since the hand controls 84, 86 and 88 are of identical construction, itwill suffi-ce to describe only one such hand control in detail.Specifically, the standoff-position control 84 includes a pivoted fingerbutton 84a which is effective via pivoted valve lever 84b to actuate acombined inlet and exhaust valve 840 which includes internal chambershaving mounted therein a spring biased plunger and head assembly ofconventional construction. The valve 840 includes a line-pressure airinlet 84d, an air outlet Me and an exhaust outlet '84) connected to amuflier 84g. Normally, the air outlet 84 is ported to the atmospherethrough the air exhaust 84 and the mufller 84g. Upon actuation of thehand control 84 by depressing the button 84a, the air inlet 84d isconnected to the air inlet 84a, with the exhaust outlet 84 beingblocked. The right and left contact-position controls :86, 88 operate inidentical fashions. v

The right and left pressure-release controls 90, 92 are likewise ofconventional construction and accordingly it will suflice to describeonly the control 90 in general terms.

The pressure-release control 90 includes a pivoted finger button 90awhich is coupled via release valve lever 90b to exhaust valve 90c whichhas an internal spring-biased plunger and head assembly and an airoutlet 90d which is ported to the atmosphere by the exhaust outlet 90::and the muffler 90 Thus, upon actuation of the finger piece 90a of thevalve 90 it is possible to port the air outlet 90d to atmosphere undercontrol of the operator.

The single pressure-position control 94 include-s a pivoted fingerbutton or piece 94a which via an internal rack and gear mechanismcontrols the valve 94b which includes an internal spring biased plungerand head assembly for making selective connections between the air inlet94c, the air outlet 94d, and the exhaust outlet 94e. Normally, the airinlet 940 is ported to the atmosphere by the exhaust outlet 94e. Uponactuation of the valve, the exhaust outlet 94e is closed by theassociated valve head and the air inlet 940 is connected to the airoutlet 94d for a control function to be subsequently described.

Finally, the pedally-operated, direct contact-position control 96includes a pivoted foot pedal 96a which controls the valve 96b having aninternal spring-biased valve plunger and head assembly, a line-pressureair inlet 96c, an air outlet 96d, and an exhaust outlet 962. Normally,the air outlet 96d is ported to the atmosphere through the exhaustoutlet 96c. Upon actuation of the control 96, the line-pressure airinlet 960 is connected to the air outlet 96d and the exhaust outlet 962is blocked.

Air under pressure is introduced over the main air supply line 98through a master shut-off valve 100, with the main air supply line 98having branches to the air inlet 84d of the standoff-position control84, to the corresponding air inlets of the right contact-positioncontrol 86 and the left-contact position control 88, to the air inlet ofthe direct contact-position control 96 and to a diaphragm operatedcontrol valve 102 and master control valve, both of which are ofconventional construction and need only be described in general terms.The diaphragmoperated valve 102 includes a valve body 102a having alinepressure air inlet 102b, a line pressure air outlet 1020', a controlinlet 102d controlling a diaphragm 102e in an appropriate chamber, anoperating plunger 102 controlled by the diaphragm 102e, a rocker 102g,and a valve head and plunger assembly 102k controlled by the rocker102g. Upon introduction of air under pressure at the control inlet 102d,as will subsequently be described, the diaphragm-operated valve 102 isactuated to connect the line pressure air inlet 10% to the air outlet1020 which via a line 104, a quick-release valve 106 and a line 108 isconnected to the pressure side of the cylinder 28. of the head-standotfactuating assembly 28, 30.

' The quick-release valve 106 is of conventional construction andincludes a valve body 106a, an air inlet 106b, an air outlet 106e, anair exhaust 106d connected to the atmosphere via mufller 1062 and aninternal diaphragm 106i. Upon admission of air under pressure into thevalve body 106 via the air inlet 106b, the diaphragm 106 closes off theair exhaust 106d and air flows into the line 108 via the air outlet1060. When the supply source 106b is disrupted, the diaphragm quicklydrops to port the air outlet 106:: to atmosphere through the air exhaust10611 and the muflier 106e.

Air under pressure is introduced into the diaphragmoperated valve 102via the standoff-position control 84 from supply line 98 through line110 connected to the air outlet 84:: of the control 84. The line 110 isconnected over shuttle valve 112 and line 114 to the control inlet 102dof the diaphragm-operated valve 102. Thus upon depressing the fingerbutton 84a of the standoffposition control 84, the supply line 98 isconnected to the control inlet 102d of the valve 102 over control 84,line 100, shuttle valve 112 and line 114.

The contact-position actuating mechanism 32, 34 is pneumaticallyactivated by depressing either the right contact-position control 86,the left contact-position control 88 or the direct contact-position footcontrol '96. Specifically, the air outlet of the right contact-positioncontrol 86 is connected via :line 116, shuttle valve 118, line 120,shuttle valve 122,. line 124 and needle valve 126 to the pressure sideofthe cylinder 32 of the contact-position actuating assembly 32, 34. Theleft contact-position control 88 is connected via line, 128 to theOpposite side Of the shuttle valve 118 and thence over line. 120,shuttle valve 122, line 124 and needle valve 126 to the pressure side ofthe cylinder 32. Line 124 has a branch 124a which is connected viashuttle valve 112 and line 114 to the cont rol inlet 102d of the valve102. Upon depress: ing the right contact-position control'86, linepressure is applied over the control to line 116, shuttle valve 118 andline 120 to line 124, with shuttle valve 118 blocking passage of airinto line 128 and shuttle valve 122 blocking passage of air via line 130to the' pedal control 96. The air pressure in line 124 is applied to thepressure side of the cylinder 32 over the needle valve 126 which is ofconventional construction and provides for the rapid application of linepressure to the pressure side of the cylinder 32 and slow release orporting of the cylinder. In general, such needle valve 126 includes avalve body 126a having an airinlet 126b, an air outlet 126e, an airexhaust 126d, and a needle 126e in controlling relation to the airexhaust 126d. The pressure side of the cylinder 32 is ported toatmosphere at a rate determined by adjustment of the needle 126e overline 124, shuttle valve 122, line 120, shuttle valve 118 and line 116which is connected to the air exhaust and muffler of the rightcontact-position control 86. It will be appreciated that pressure may beapplied to the cylinder 32 by depressing the left contact-positioncontrol which will apply line pressure over line 128 and shuttle valve118 to lines 120 and 124 as previously described. The presence of linepressure in line 124 is also effective via branch line 124a, shuttlevalve 112 and line 114 to apply pressure to the control inlet 102d ofthe diaphragm-operated valve 102 to complete a supply path to thepressure side of the cylinder 28. Accordingly, actuation of either ofthe contactposition controls 86, 88 is also efl'ective to operate thehead-standoff actuating mechanism 28, 30, as if the standoff-positioncontrol 84 had been depressed, as previously described.

In a similar fashion, it will be appreciated that line pressure may beapplied to the pressure sides of the standoff-position actuatingmechanism 28, 30 and the contactposition actuating mechanism32, 34 bydepressing the foot pedal 96a associated with the control 96. This wlllsupply line pressure over air inlet 960 to air outlet 96d and viashuttle valve 122 to line 124 for the substantially simultaneousactuation of the cylinders 28, 32, as previously described.

' The introduction of air under pressure into the cylinder 28 of thestandoff-position actuating mechanism 28, 30 is effective to conditionthe pressure-position control 94 for operation. This is accomplished vialine 132 which is connected to an air outlet 28a associated withcylinder 28 and the air inlet 94c of the pressure-position control 94.The piston head within the cylinder 28 must traverse a major portion ofits stroke prior to the admiss on of an under pressure via line 132 tothe pressure-positlon control 94. This is asafety precaution andprecludes the movement of the pressing head 24 into thepressure-applying position except when the pressing head 24 has moved inthe first instance to the standofl? position.

The pressure-position control 94 is in controlling relation to a mastervalve 134 which is of conventional construction and includes a valvebody 134a,'a supply air inlet 134b, a supply air outlet 134c, a controlinlet 134d, a feedback outlet 134e, a valve-locking inlet 134 and anexhaust outlet 134g. The feedback outlet 134e is connected by a line 136and control volve 138 to the valvelockinginlet 134 As generallyunderstood, upon admission of air into the control inlet 134d, theinternal valving of the master valve 134 'is operable to connect the airinlet 1341) to the air outlet 1340 which via a quick relevase valve 140and line 142 applies line pressure to 1 the pressure side of thecylinder 36 of the pressureoutlet 1400, an exhaust outlet 140d and amuffler 1402.

Internally of the valve body 140a is a diaphragm 140),-

Line 142 is normally ported to the atmosphere through air exhaust 140dand mufiler 1402. Upon actuation of 1 the valve 140, air is introduced,over lines 139 and 142 to the pressure side of the cylinder 36. The airoutlet 94d of pressure-position control 94 is connceted to the;

control inlet 134d of master valve 134 via line 144..

Concurrent with the'completion of the line supply path to the cylinder36 over air inlet 13% and air outlet134c,

air is introduced via the feedback outlet 134e, line136,

feedback valve 138 and valve-locking inlet 134] to the upper side of themaster valve 134. This locks the master valve in the actuated positionuntil such time as the air exhaust 134g is ported to the atmosphere.upon actuation of the right or left pressure-release controls 90, 92, aswill be described. Feedback valve 138 is normally in an open positionand upon being closed precludes the locking of the master valve .134.The lockingside of the master valve 134 is ported to atmosphere. byconnecting air exhaust 134g via line 146 and branch lines 148, 150respectively to the air exhausts of the pressurerelease controls 90, 92.

v Preliminary 'to a detailed description of the various relatedfunctions which may be achieved by the movement control of FIG. 4,reference will be made to the service control of FIG. 5 which enablesthe selective application of vacuum and steam to the stationary buck 16and the movable pressing head 24. The application of vacuum and steammaybe required in various discrete positions of the pressing head andduring movement between positions, either manually under control of theoperator or automatically by programming controls which are notnecessary for an understanding of the present invention. In FIG. 5,there is shown a typical, but nonethe less illustrative service controlwhich includes a manually-operated top steam control 152, apedally-operated bottomsteam control 154, and pedally-operated top and 1bottom vacuum controls 156, 158. As seen in FIG. 1,

the manually-operated top steam control 152 is mounted on the pressinghead, 24 in side-by-side relation with the pressure-position control'94,while the control 154,156, and the frame 12 at floor level.

The service control includes a steam-supply line 160,

a vacuum-drawing line 162 and an air supply line 164.

As is generally understood, the steam-supply line is connected by abranch line 160a to line 172 to the chamber 24b .of the movablepressing. head 24. The air-inlet line,16.4 is connected to the.

pedally-operated controls 154, 156,158. The top steam control 152includes a pivoted finger piece or button 152 which controls a valve 15%of conventional construction including a centrally disposed steam inlet152c which is selectively connected to a steam outlet 152d incommunication with the chamber 24b for. the

' periodica'pplication of steam from the reservoir 24a to the chamber24b and thence through the contoured and apertured head wall 240 to agarment draped on the stationary buck16. Since the manually-controlledsteam the steam-storage chamber 16a of the stationary buck, 16 andbranch line pedally operating 158 are located at the base of valve 152is generally known, and subject to a latitude of modification andchange, further description will be dispensed with in the interest ofbrevity.

The pedally-operated controls 154, 156, and 158 are all of identical andknown construction. Accordingly, it will suflice to describe only thebottom steam control 154 which is seen to include a pivoted foot pedal154a controlling the internal valving in the valve body 154b whichincludes an air inlet 154c, and air outlet 154d and an air exhaust 154e.Upon depressing the foot pedal 154a, air from the air supply line 164passes through the air inlet 1540 and into the air outlet 154d toachieve the associated control function, as will be described. After thefoot pressure is removed, the air outlet 154d is ported to theatmosphere through the air exhaust 154e.

The bottom steam control 154 is connected via line 174 to anair-operated valve 176 which controls the admission of steam from thestorage chamber 16a intothe chamber 16b and thence through the contouredand apertured buck Wall 16c. Briefly, the valve 176 includes anactuating cylinder 176a having a spring biased piston 176b therein whichpivots an actuating lever 176:: which moves a valve 176d to selectivelyconnect the steam inlet 176e to the steam outlet 176 which is incommunication with the chamber 16b. Since this type of pneumaticallycontrolled valve is of known construction, further description will bedispensed with in the interest of brevity.

The pedally-operated top vacuum control 156 is arranged to connect thebranch 16% of the vacuumdrawing line 162 to the line 172 and to thepressing head 24. The pneumatically-controlled valve 170 which isconnected to the pedally-operated top vacuum control 156 over line 178is of known construction and includes a cylinder and piston 170a whichdisplaces a cross head 17% controlling a valve 1700 in the valve body170d which connects the branch 172b to the line 172. In similar fashion,bottom vacuum may be applied to the stationary buck 16 upon operation ofthe pneumatically-controlled valve 166 by the pedally-operated bottomvacuum control 158.

Reference will now be made to a typical sequence operation which may beperformed in accordance with the present improved pressing machine andcontrol. In the interest of brevity, all the permutations of themovement of the pressing head 24 between the open, stand-off, contactand pressure-applying position will not be described but should beapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingillustrative sequences.

Normally the movable or upper pressing head 24 is held at an angle ofapproximately 55 above the horizontal (see FIG. 2) by thecounterbalancing springs 50, 52. The pressing head 24 may be moved fromthe open position to the standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to the stationary buck 16 by pressing the finger button 840 'ofthe standoff-position control 84 which is effective to pass compressedair from the supply line 98, through valve 84c, over line 110 andshuttle valve 112 and through line 114 which is effective to actuate thediaphragm-operated valve 102. This connects the supply line 98 to line104 and through quick release valve 106 over line 108 to the pressureside of the cylinder 28 of the standoff-position actuating mechanism 28,30. Piston 30 is thereby extended to lower the pressing head 24 to thestandoff position illustrated in FIG. 3. Such position may be adjustedwithin a range by means of turning the threaded cylinder head 28a on theoff-pressure side of cylinder 28. Further changes in the spacing of thepressing head 24 from the stationary buck 16 in the standoff positionmay be obtained by exchanging the stroke-limiting spacers containedwithin the cylinder 28. With the pressing head 24 in the standoffposition, the machine operator may apply steam to the garmet, eitherfrom the pressing head 24 by manipulating control 152 or from thestationary buck 16 by manipulating the pedal control 154. If desired,vacuum may be 10 applied to either the pressing head 24 or the buck 16in the standoff position. The provision of the standoff position isparticularly advantageous for the processing of high pile fabrics and ofnatural or man-made furs.

The pressing head 24 may be moved from the standoff position into thecontact position by depressing either of the manual contact-positioncontrols 86, 88 or the pedallyoperated contact-position control 96. Forexample, if the rightcontact position control 86 is depressed, pressurefrom supply line 98 is introduced over line 116, shuttle valve 118, line120, shuttle valve '122 and line 124 to the pressure side of thecylinder 32 of the contact-position actuating mechanism 32, 34 whichmoves the pressing head 24 into light contact or zero-pressureengagement with the stationary buck 16. The degree of contact pressureobtained in the contact or zero-pressure position can be controlled byadjusting the amount of air admitted into the cylinder 32 or byadjusting the internal piston-biasing spring in such cylinder.

The pressing head 24 may be moved directly from the open positionillustrated in FIG. 2 to the contact or zeropressure position byoperating the controls 86, 88, 96 in the first instance, withoutnecessity of the preliminary operation of the pressing head 24 undercontrol of the standoffposition control 84. For example, to move thepressing head 24 to the contact position directly from the openposition, the operator may step on the pedal 96a of thedirect-contact-position control 96 which will admit air from supply line98 over line and shuttle valve 122 to the line 124. The pressure in line124 is effective via branch 124a, shuttle valve 112 and line 114 toactuate the diaphragm-operated valve 102 which completes a connectionbetween the supply line 98 and the line 104 which is connected to thepressure side of the cylinder 28. This operates the standoff-positionactuating mechanism 28, 30. Simultaneously, the pressure in line 124 iseffective via quick-released valve '126 to operate the cylinder 32 ofthe contact-position actuating mechanism 32, 34 which concurrentlydisplaces the standoff-position actuating mechanism 28, 30 and moves thepressing head 24 directly from the open position to the contactposition.

Once the pressing head 24 is either in the standoff position or thecontact position, the pressure-position control 94 is conditioned foroperation since pressure will be applied to line 132 and to the airinlet 940 of this control. Thus, upon manipulation of the pivoted fingerpiece 94a of the control 94, the master valve 134 is operated to connectthe supply line 98 over line 139, quick-release valve and line 142 tothe pressure side of the pressureapplying cylinder 36 of thepressure-applying actuating mechanism 36, 38. By this means, thepressing head 24 is lowered to a point of high pressure contact with thestationary buck or lower pressing head at a pressure which may varyanywhere from 3000 pounds to 8000 pounds, depending upon the size of thepressure-supply cylinder 36 and its piston. If the feedback valve 138 isopened, the master valve 134 is locked in its operated position. Thus,it is possible for the operator to leave the pressing machine 10, withthe pressing head 24 remaining in the pressure-applying position. -If onthe other hand, feed back valve 138 is closed, the master valve 134 willremain in the operated position for so long as the operator actuates thepressure-position control 94.

In releasing the pressing head 24 from the pressureapplying position, anumber of opening sequencies are possible. For example, the pressinghead 44 may be moved from the locked pressure-applying position to theopen position by momentarily depressing either the rightpressure-release control 90 or the left pressure-release control 92. Forexample, upon depressing the finger button 90a of the rightpressure-release control 90', the exhaust outlet 134g of the mastervalve 134 is ported to atmosphere over lines 146, 148 through valve 90c,air exhaust 902 and muffler 90 This in turn reduces the pressure in line139 which causes the quick-release valve 140 to quick- 1 1' 1y reverseitself and exhaust air from the pressure-applying cylinder 36 throughline 142, quick-release valve 140 and mufi'ler 140e, thereby causing thepressing head 24 to open from the locked pressure-applying position tothe fully opened position.

A further opening sequence which may be readily attained is movement ofthe pressing head 24 from the pres sure-applying position to the contactor zero-pressure position. This is attained by depressing either theright or left pressure-release controls 90, 92 and simultaneouslydepressing either the right or left contact-position controls 86, 88.Depressing either of the controls 90, 92 exhausts the lockedpressure-applying cylinder 36, as previously described, while depressingeither of the contact-position controls 86, 88 is effective tosimultaneously admit air to the cylinders 28, 32 such that the pressinghead 24 will move from the open position to the contact position.

A still further sequence of opening which may be attained is movement ofthe pressing head 24 from the lock pressure-applying position to thestandoff position. This is achieved by simultaneously actuating eitherof the pressure-release controls 90, 92 and the standoff-positioncontrol 8-4. Operation of either of the pressure-release controls iseffective to port the pressure-applying cylinder 36 to atmosphere, whileoperation of the standoff-position control is effective to operate thestand-otf-position cylinder 28. This causes the pressing head to movefrom the locked high pressure position to the stand-off position, withthe release of the pressing head being timed by the adjustment of theneedle 1'26e in the needle valve 126. The reason for the timed releaseof the pressing head 24 from the contact position to the standoffposition is to prevent disarrangement of lightweight garments by thesudden separation of the pressing head 24 from the stationary buck 16.The operator may, after the pressing head is moved into the standoifposition, restore the pressing head to the open position by releasingthe finger piece 84a of the standoff-position control which is effectiveto exhaust air from the standofiposition cylinder 28, .as previouslydescribed, thereby allowing the counterbalancing springs to rapidlyreturn the pressing head to the open position. Adjustment of the needlevalve 146 enables the machine operator to control the delayed release inaccordance with the particular type of garment to be pressed with thepresent machine.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there are many closingand opening sequences which may be established under the control of theoperator, including without limitation, movement from the open positioninto the standoif position and return to the opened position; movementfrom the open position into the standoff position and then into thecontact position and return to the open position; movement from the openposition successively into the standoff position and the zero-pressureposition, with a return to the standoff position and then to the openposition; movement from the open position into the standoff position andthen into the pressure-applying position, with return to the openposition; movement from the open position into the standoff position,the contact position and then into the pressure-applying position, withreturn to the open position; movement from the open position to thestandoff position, the contact position and then into thepressure-applying position, with return to the contact position and adelayed release to the open position; movement from the open position tothe standofl position, the contact position and to the pressure-applyingposition, with opening to the contact position and then a return to theopen position; movement from the open position into the standoffposition and then directly to the pressure-applying position, with adelayed release return to the open position; and still other sequenceswhich will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the various sequences described above, it should be noted that ineach case the high-pressure'closing of the pressing head can only beattained after the prelinnnary movement of the pressing head into thestandoff or con-;

tact positions. This is a safety measure which requires that both handsof the operator he engaged on the con trol before the high-pressureoperation can .be initiated.

If the operator should release either the standoff-position control orthe contact-position control prior to operation of the pressure-positioncontrol, the pressing machine will move to the open position rather thango into the pressure-applying position.

The availability of the standofi position makes the present jaw-motionpress particularly suitable for use by clothing manufacturers whereingarments have incorporated therein some form of man-made .fur. Suchmanufacturers, as well as dry cleaning establishments,

are often presented with a problem of finishing such mantop steam,bottom steam, or both, may be applied to the garment. After. thesteaming operation, top vacuum may be applied to the head 24 which willdraw the residual steam from the for without causing the fur to matdown, as itwould if bottom vacuum were applied or contact pressure wereemployed to remove such steam.

Further, with the present machine it is possible. to. rapidly andperiodically move the pressing head 24 between the standofl position andthe contact position with' or without the application of top and bottomsteam,

to tap or pat the garment without too great an application of pressure.This is particularly advantageous in finishing certain types of garmentsand piece goods where high pressure, as by fully closing the i theapplication of pressing jaws, would have a tendency to shine the fabricor m-at down the fibers thereof.

It is further possible in accordance with the invention to rapidly movethe pressing head between the standoff or contact positions and thepressure-applying position to attain a high pressure pouncing of agarment or piece goods for the purposes of removing wrinkles therefrom,creasing the same, or the like.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances some features of theinvention will be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims vbeconstrued broadly and in .a manner consistent with the spirit and scopeof the invention herein.

What I claim is:

1. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff connected to said head for movingsaid head between said contact and pressure applying positions, andcontrol mechanisms for said actuating ly moving said head in a firstclosing sequence from said open position successively into saidstandoff, contact and 1 pressure-applying quence from said into saidcontact positions and in a second closing seopen position directly andsuccessively and pressure-applying positions.

position in spaced confronting relation to said buck, a contact positionin contact engagemechanisms for selective- 2. A pressing machinecomprising a frame, a stationary buck on said frame, a movable headmounted on said frame for movement into multiple discrete positionsrelative to said buck including an open position removed from said buck,a standoff position in spaced confronting relation to said buck, acontact position in contact engagement with said buck and apressure-applying position in highpressure engagement with said buck,and actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said head relative tosaid buck including first means operatively connected to said head formoving said head between said open and standoff positions, second meansoperatively connected to said head for moving said head between saidstandoff and contact positions, third means operatively connected tosaid head for moving said head between said contact andpressure-applying positions, and control mechanisms for said actuatingmechanisms for selectively moving said head in a first closing sequencefrom said open position successively into said standoff, contact andpressure-applying positions, in a second closing sequence from said openposition directly and successively into said contact andpressure-applying positions, in a first opening sequence from saidpressure-applying position directly to said open position, in a secondopening sequence from said pressureapplying position into said contactposition, and in a third opening sequence from said pressure-applyingposition directly into said standoff position.

3. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in highpressure engagementwith said buck, and actuating mechanisms for selectively moving saidhead relative to said buck including first means operatively connectedto said head for moving said head between said open and standoffpositions, second means operatively connected to said first means fordisplacing said first means to move said head between said standoff andcontact positions, third means independent of said first and secondmeans and operatively connected to said head for moving said headbetween said contact an pressure-applying positions, and controlmechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectively moving saidhead in a first closing sequence from said open position successivelyinto said standoff, contact and pressure-applying positions and in asecond closing sequence from said open position directly andsuccessively into said contact and pressure-applying positions.

4. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contactengagement with saidbuck and 'a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagement withsaid buck, and actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said headrelative to said buck including first means operatively connected tosaid head for moving said head between said open and standoff positions,second means operatively connected to.

said first means for displacing said first means to move said headbetween said standoff and contact positions, third means independent ofsaid first and second means and operatively connected to said head formoving said headbetween said contact and pressure-applying positions,and control mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectivelymoving said head in a first closing sequence from said open positionsuccessively into said standoff, contact and pressure-applyingpositions, in a second closing sequence from said open position directlyand successively into said contact and pressure-applying positions, in afirst opening sequence from said pressure-applying position directly tosaid open position, in a second opening sequence from saidpressure-applying position into said contact position, and in a thirdopening sequence from said pressure-applying position directly into saidstandoff position.

5. A pressure machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete position relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said book, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in highpressure engagementwith said buck, and pneumaticallycontrolled actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and cylinder operatively connected to said head for moving saidhead between said open and standoff positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said head for moving said head betweensaid standoff and contact positions, a third piston and cylinderoperatively connected to said head for moving said head between saidcontact and pressure-applying positions, and pneumatically operatedcontrol mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for moving said head ina closing sequence from said open position into said standoff position.

6. A pressing machine according to claim 5 wherein said controlmechanisms include a standoff position control and means for admittingair under pressure into said first cylinder in response to actuation ofsaid standoff position control for moving said first piston through itsstroke to thereby move said head from said open position into saidstandoff position.

7. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagementwith said buck, and a pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanism forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and cylinder operatively connected to said head for moving saidhead between said open and standoff positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said head for moving said head betweensaid standoff and contact positions, a third piston and cylinderoperatively connected to said head for moving said head between saidcontact and pressure-applying positions, and pneumatical- 1y operatedcontrol mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectively movingsaid head in a first closing sequence from said open positionsuccessively into said standoff and contact positions "and in a secondclosing se quence directly from said open position into said contac!position.

8. A pressing machine according to claim 7 wherein said controlmechanisms include a contact position control and means forsimultaneously admitting air under pressure into said first and secondcylinders in response to actuation of said contact position control forsimultaneously moving said first and second pistons through theirstrokes to thereby move said head directly from said open position intosaid contact position.

9. A pressing machine according to claim 8 wherein said controlmechanisms include a pressure position control, means responsive tomovement of said first piston through its stroke for conditioning saidpressure position control for applying an under pressure to said thirdcylinder, and means responsive to actuation of said pressure positioncontrol for moving said third piston through its stroke to move saidhead from said contact position to said pressure-applying position.

10. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved 3,279,1oev

from said buck, a standotf position in spaced confronting relation tosaid buck, a contact position in contact engagement with said buck and apressure-applying position in high-pressure engagement with said buck,and pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms for selectively movingsaid head relative to said buck including a first piston and firstcylinder operatively connected to said head :for moving said headbetween said open and standofi positions, a second piston and cylinderoperatively connected to said head for moving said headbetweeu saidstandoif and contact positions, a third piston and cylinder operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said contact andpressure-applying positions, and pneumatically operated controlmechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectively moving saidhead in a first closing sequence from said open position successivelyinto said standoff, contact and pressure-applying positions, in a secondclosing sequence from said open position directly and successively intosaid contact and pressure-applying positions, in a first openingsequence from said pressure-applying position directly to said openposition, in a second opening sequence from said pressureapplyingposition into said contact position, and in a third opening sequencefrom said pressure-applying position directly into said standolfposition. 7

11. A pressing machine according to claim lfl'wherein said controlmechanisms include a standoff position control and means foradmitting-air under pressure into said first cylinder in response toactuation of said standoff positioncontrol for moving said first pistonthrough its stroke to thereby move said head from said open positioninto said standoff position,

12. A pressing machine according to claim 11 wherein said controlmechanisms include a contact position control and means forsimultaneously admitting air under pressure into said first and secondcylinders in response to actuation'of said contact position control forsimultaneously moving said first and second pistons through theirstrokes to thereby move said head directly from said open position intosaid contact position.

13. A pressing machine according to claim 12 wherein said controlmechanisms include a pressure position control, means responsive tomovement of said first piston through its stroke for conditioning saidpressure position control for applying air under pressure to said thirdcylinder, and means responsive to actuation of said pressure positioncontrol for moving said third piston through its stroke to move saidhead from said contact position to said pressure-applying position.

14. A pressng machine according to claim 13 wherein said controlmechanisms include a quick-release valve connected to said thirdcylinder, a pressure release control, and means responsive to actuationof said pressure release control for porting said third cylinder to. theatmosphere through said quick-release valve, said pressure releasecontrol and said contactposition control being simultaneously actuatablesuch that said head is moved from said pressure-applying position tosaid contact position.

15. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multipledescrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced. confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact positionin contact engagement with saidbuck and a pressure-applying position in-high-pressure engagement withsaid buck, and pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and first cylinder operatively connected to said head for movingsaid head between said open and standolf positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said first piston and cylinder fordisplacing the latter to move said head between said standoff andcontact positions, a third piston and cylinder independent of said firstand second pistons and'c'ylinders and operatively connected tosaid headfor moving said head between said contact and pressure-applyingpositions, and

pneumatically operated control mechanisms for said ac-.

tuating mechanisms for selectively moving said head. in

.a closing sequence .from said open positionsuccessivelyn into saidstandoif, contact and pressure applying positions and in an openingsequence from said pressure-applying position directly into saidstandoff position. x

16. A pressing machine according to claim 15 wherein said conrolmechanisms include a standoif position con-. trol and means foradmitting air under pressure into said: first cylinder in response toactuation of said standotfi position control for moving said firstpiston through its stroke to thereby move said head. from said openpositioninto said standoff position.

17. A pressing machine according to claim 16 wherein 1 said controlmechanisms include a quick-release valve;

connected to said third cylinder, a pressure releasecontrol, meansresponsive to actuation of said pressure re-,

lease control for porting said third cylinder to the ,atmos pherethrough said quick-release valve, said pressure I'B'. lease control andsaid standoff'position control being si-, mnltaneously a-ctuatable suchthat said pressure-applying position to said standoff position.

18. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a station-= ary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions rela-.

tive to, said buck including an open position removed from said buck, astandotf position in spaced confronting relation to said buck, a contactposition in contact engagement with said buck and a pressure-applyingposition in highpressure engagement with said buck, and apneumatically-controlled actuating mechanism for selectively;

moving said head relative to said buck including a first piston andfirst cylinder operatively connected to said head for moving said headbetween said open and standoff positions, a second piston and cylinderoperatively connected to said first piston and cylinder for displacingtuating mechanisms for selectively moving said head from said openposition into said standoff, contact and pressure-applying positions, ina first opening sequence from said pressure-applying position directlyto said open position, in a secondopening sequence from saidpressureapplying position into said contact position, and in a thirdopening sequence from said pressure-applying position directly into saidstandoff position.

19. A pressingmachiue according to claim 18 wherein said controlmechanisms include a pressure position control, means responsive tomovement of said first piston through its stroke for conditioning saidpressure position control for applying air under pressure to said thirdcylinder, and means responsive to actuation of said pressure positioncontrol for moving said-third piston through its:

stroke to move said head from said contact position to saidpressure-applying position.

20. A pressing machine according to claim 19 wherein 1 said controlmechanisms includes a master valve having 1 self-locking means connectedbetween said pressure position control and said third cylinder such thatsaid head 1 isretained in said pressure-applying position upon releaseof said pressure position control, and means for .SCICC'. tivelyenabling and disabling said self-locking means of i said valve. t

21. A pressing machine according to claim 20 wherein said controlmechanisms include a quick-release valve connected between said mastervalve and said third cylinder, a pressure release control, and meansresponsive to actuation of said pressure release control for portingsaid 17 third cylinder to the atmosphere through said quick-releasevalve for moving said head from said pressureapplying position to saidopen position.

22. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagementwith said buck, and pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and first cylinder operatively connected to said head for movingsaid head between said open and standoff positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said first piston and cylinder fordisplacing the latter to move said head between said standoff andcontact positions, a third piston and cylinder independent of said firstand second pistons and cylinders and operatively connected to said headfor moving said head between said contact and pressure-applyingpositions, and pneumatically operated control mechanisms for saidactuating mechanisms for selectively moving said head in a first openingsequence from said pressure-applying position directly to said openposition, in a second opening sequence from said pressure-applyingposition into said contact position, and in a third opening sequencefrom said pressure-applying position directly into said standoffposition.

23. A pressing machine according to claim 22 wherein said controlmechanisms include a quick-release valve connected to said thirdcylinder, a pressure release control, and means responsive to actuationof said pressure release control for porting said third cylinder to theatmosphere through said quick-release valve for moving said head fromsaid pressure-applying position to said open position.

24. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagementwith said buck, and pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and first cylinder operatively connected to said head for movingsaid head between said open and standoff positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said head for moving said head betweensaid standoff and contact positions, a third piston and cylinderoperatively connected to said head for moving said head between saidcontact and pressure-applying positions and pneumatically operatedcontrol mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectively movingsaid head in a first opening sequence from said pressure-applyingposition directly to said open position, in a second opening sequencefrom said pressure-applying position into said contact position, and ina third opening sequence from said pressure-applying position directlyinto said standoff position, said control mechanisms including a contactposition control, means for simultaneously admitting air under pressureinto said first and second cylinders in response to actuation of saidcontact position control for simultaneously moving said first and secondpistons through their strokes to thereby move said head directly fromsaid open position, a quick-release valve connected to said thirdcylinder, a pressure release control, and means responsive to actuationof said pressure release control for porting said third cylinder to theatmosphere through said quick-release valve, said pressures releasecontrol and said contact position control being simultaneouslyactuatable such that said head is moved from said pressure-applyingposition to said contact position.

25. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standofi position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagementwith said buck, and pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head relative to said buck including a firstpiston and cylinder operatively connected to said head for moving saidhead between said open and standoff positions, a second piston andcylinder operatively connected to said first means for displacing saidfirst means to move said head between said standoff and contactpositions, a third piston and cylinder independent of said first andsecond pistons and cylinders and operatively connected to said head formoving said head between said contact and pressure-applying positions,and pneumatically operated control mechanisms for said actuatingmechanisms for selectively moving said head in a first opening sequencefrom said pressure-applying position directly to said open position, ina second opening sequence from said pressure-applying position into saidcontact position, and in a third opening sequence from saidpressure-applying position directly into said standofi position,saidcontrol mechanisms including a standoff position control, means foradmitting air under pressure into said first cylinder in response toactuation of said standoff position control for moving said first pistonthrough its stroke to thereby move said head from said open positioninto said standoff position, a quick-release valve connected to saidthird cylinder, a pressure release control, and means responsive toactuation of said pressure release control for porting said thirdcylinder to the atmosphere through said quick-release valve, saidpressure release control and said standoff position control beingsimultaneously actuatable such that said head is moved from saidpressure-applying position to said standoff position.

26. A pressing machine according to claim 25 wherein said controlmechanisms include an adjustable needle valve connected to said secondcylinder for causing a delayed movement of said head from saidpressureapplying position to said standofi position.

27. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck and a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck, actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said headrelative to said buck including first pneumatic means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said open andstandoff positions and second pneumatic means operatively connected tosaid first means for displacing said first pneumatic means to move saidhead between said standoff and contact positions, and control mechanismsincluding a standoff position control in controlling relation to saidfirst pneumatic means for initiating movement of said head from saidopen position to said standoff position and a contact position controlin controlling relation to said second pneumatic means for initiatingmovement of said head from said standoff position to said contactposition, said standoff position and contact position controls beingarranged for simultaneous operation to move said head directly from saidopen position to said contact position, said contact position controlincluding valving means operable in response to successive operations ofsaid contact position control and only when said standoff positioncontrol is actuated for rapidly moving said head into and out of saidcontact position to provide a patting action against Work draped oversaid buck, and means including a top steam control for applying steam tosaid head in said multiple discrete positions and during movement intoand out of said contact position.

28. A pressing machine according to claim 27 including means having abottom vacuum control for applying bottom vacuum to said buck in saidmultiple discrete positions.

29. A pressing machine according to claim 28 including means having atop vacuum control for applying top vacuum to said head in said multiplediscrete positions.

30. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck and a contact position in contact engagement withsaid buck, actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said headrelative to said buck including first pneumatic means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said open andstandoff positions and second pneumatic means operatively connected tosaid first pneumatic means for displacing said first pneumatic means tomove said head between said standoff and contact positions, and controlmechanisms including a standoff position control in controlling relationto said first pneumatic means for initiating movement of said head fromsaid open position to said standoff position and a contact positioncontrol in controlling relation to said second pneumatic means forinitiating movement of said head from said standoff position to saidcontact position, said standoff position and contact, position controlsbeing arranged for simultaneous operation to move said head directlyfrom said open position to said contact position, said contact positioncontrol including valving means operable in response to successiveoperations of said contact position. control and only when said standoffposition control is actuated for rapidly moving said head into and outof said contact position to provide a patting action against work drapedover said buck, means including a top steam control for applying steamto said head in said multiple discrete positions and during movementinto and out of said contact position, and means including a bottomsteam control for applying steam to said buck in said multiple discretepositions and during movement into and out of said contact position.

31. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standoff position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a closed position in contact pressure with saidbuck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressure engagement withsaid buck, pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms for selectivelymoving said head relative to said buck including first means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said open andstandoff positions, second means operatively connected .to said head formoving saidhead between said standoff and .closed positions, third meansoperatively connected to said head for moving said head between saidclosed and pressure-applying positions, and pneumatically operatedcontrol mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for selectively movingsaid head in a first closing sequence from said open positionsuccessively into said standoff, contact and pressure-applyingpositions, in a second closing sequence from said open position directlyand successively into said contact and pressure-applying positions, in afirst opening sequence from said pressure-applying position directly tosaid open position, in a second opening sequence from saidpressure-applying position into said contact position, and in athirdopening sequence from said pressureapplying position directly into saidstandofl position, said control mechanisms including a standoff positioncontrol in controlling relation to said first means, a contact positioncontrol in controlling relation to said second means, andpressure-position and pressure-release controls in controlling relationto said third means, said pressurerelease control being operable toachieve opening movement of said head from said pressure-applyingposition to said open position, said pressure-release and contactposition controls being simultaneously operable to achieve openingmovement of said head from said pressure-applying position to saidcontact position, saidl pressure-release and standoff position controlsbeing simultaneously operable to achieve opening movement of said headfrom said pressure-applying position to said standoff position.

32. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a sta-t tionary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete posi-,

tions relative to said buck including an open position removed from saidbuck, a standoff position in spaced confronting relation to said buck, aclosed position in pressure-applying contact pressure with said buck anda position in high pressure engagement with said buck,pneumatically-controlled actuating mechanisms for selectively movingsaid head relative to said buck including first means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said open andstandoff positions,

second means operatively connected to said first means i for displacingsaid first means to move said head between into said standoff, contactand pressure-applying posi tions, in a sec-0nd closing sequence fromsaid open position directly and successively into said contact andpressure-applying position, in a second opening sequence from saidpressure-applying position into said mechanisms including astandoff-position control in controlling relation to said first means, acontact position control in controlling relation tosaid second means,and f pressure-position and pressure-release controls in controlmeans,said pressure-release control being operable to achieve opening movementof said head from said pressure-applying position to said ling relationto said third open position, said pressure-release and contact positioncontrols being simultaneously operable to achieve opening movement ofsaid head from said pressure-applying position to said contact position,said pressure-release and standofi position controls beingsimultaneously operable to achieve opening movement of said head fromsaid pressure-applying position to said standoff position. 33. Apressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on said frame, amovable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiple discretepositions relative to said buck including an open position removed fromsaid buck, a standofr position in spaced confronting relation to saidbuck, a closed position in contact pressure with said buck and apressure-applying position 1 in high-pressure engagement with said buck,actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said head relative to i saidbuck including first means operatively connected to i said head formoving said head between said open and standoff posrtlons, second meansoperatively connected to said head for moving said'head between saidstandotfi and closed positions,.third means operatively connected tosaid means for moving said head between said closed andpressure-applying positions, and control mechanisms for said actuatingmechanisms for moving said head in a closing sequence from said openposition into said positions, in a first opening sequence. from saidpressure-applying position directly to said open contact position, andin a third opening sequence from said pressure-applying, positiondirectly into said standoff position, said control relative to said buckincluding an open position removed from said buck, a standoff positionin spaced confronting relation to said buck, a closed position incontact pressure with said buck and a pressure-applying position inhigh-pressure engagement with said buck, actuating.

mechanisms for selectively moving said head relative to said buckincluding first means operatively connected to said head for moving saidhead between said open and standoff positions, second means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said standoff andclosed positions, third means operatively connected to said means formoving said head between said closed and pressure-applying positions,and control mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms for moving saidhead in a closing sequence from said open position into said standofl,con-tact and pressure-applying positions, and in an opening sequencefrom said pressure-applying position into said standoff position, meansincluding a top vacuum control for applying top vacuum to said head insaid multiple discrete positions including said standoff position suchthat said head in said standoff position holds the work on said buckduring application of said top vacuum, and means including a bottomsteam control for applying bottom steam to said buck when said head isin said multiple discrete positions including said standoff positionsuch that said head in said standolf position holds the work on saidbuck during application of top steam.

35. A pressing machine comprisinga frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a standofi position in spaced confrontingrelation to said buck, a closed position in contact pressure with saidbuck and a pressure-applying position in highpressure engagement withsaid buck, actuating mechanisms for selectively moving said headrelative to said buck including (first means operatively connected tosaid head for moving said head between said open and standoff positions,second means operatively connected to said first means for displacingsaid first means to move said head between said standofi and closedpositions, third means independent of said first and second means andoperatively connected to said means for moving said head between saidclosed and pressure-applying positions, and control mechanisms for saidactuating mechanisms for moving said head in a closing sequence fromsaid open position into said standofi, contact and pressure applyingpositions, and in an opening sequence from said pressure-applyingposition into said standoif position, means including a top vacuumcontrol for applying top vacuum to said head in said multiple discretepositions including said standoff position such that said head in saidstandofi position holds the work on said buck during application of saidtop vacuum, and means including a bottom steam control for applyingbottom steam to said buck when said head is in said multiple discretepositions including said standolf position such that said head in saidstandofi position holds the work on said buck during application of topsteam.

36. A pressing machine comprising a frame, a stationary buck on saidframe, a movable head mounted on said frame for movement into multiplediscrete positions relative to said buck including an open positionremoved from said buck, a contact position in zero-pressure engagementwith said buck and a pressure-applying position in high-pressureengagement with said buck, and actuating mechanisms for selectivelymoving said head relative to said buck including first means operativelyconnected to said head for moving said head between said open andcontact positions and further means operatively connected to said headfor moving said head between said contact and pressure-applyingpositions, and control mechanisms for said actuating mechanisms forselectively moving said head in a closing sequence from said openposition successively into said contact and pressure-applying positions,and in an opening sequence from said pressure-applying position intosaid contact position, said control mechanisms including a contactposition control in controlling relation to said first means forinitiating movement of said head from said open position to said contactposition, a pressure-position control in controlling relation to saidsecond means for initiating movement of said head from said contactposition to said pressure-applying position, and a pressure-releasecontrol in controlling relation to said second means for releasing saidhead for opening movement from said pressure-applying position to saidopen position, said contact position and pressure-release controls beingsimultaneously operable to achieve opening movement of said head fromsaid pressure-applying position to said contact position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,679,815 8/ 1928Davis 3840 1,957,250 5/ 1934 Davis 38l5 2,499,006 7/ 19'50 Seufi 38--162,644,254 7/ 1953 Schultz 38-15 2,784,509 3/1957 Ketchum et a1. 38-153,025,621 3/ 1962 Paulsen 38-15 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner. G. V.LARKIN, Assistant Examiner.

1. A PRESSING MACHINE COMPRISING A FRAME, A STATIONARY BUCK ON SAIDFRAME, A MOVABLE HEAD MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME FOR MOVEMENT INTO MULTIPLEDISCRETE POSITIONS RELATIVE TO SAID BUCK INCLUDING AN OPEN POSITIONREMOVED FROM SAID BUCK, A STANDOFF POSITION IN SPACED CONFRONTINGRELATION TO SAID BUCK, A CONTACT POSITION IN CONTACT ENGAGEMENT WITHSAID BUCK AND A PRESSURE-APPLYING POSITION IN HIGH-PRESSURE ENGAGEMENTWITH SAID BUCK, AND ACTUATING MECHANISMS FOR SELECTIVELY MOVING SAIDHEAD RELATIVE TO SAID BUCK INCLUDING FIRST MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTEDTO SAID HEAD FOR MOVING SAID HEAD BETWEEN SAID OPEN AND STANDOFFPOSITIONS, SECOND MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID HED FOR MOVINGSAID HEAD BETWEEN SAID STANDOFF AND CONTACT POSITIONS, THIRD MEANSOPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID HEAD FOR MOVING SID HEAD BETWEEN SAIDCONTACT AND PRESSURE APPLYING POSITIONS, AND CONTROL MECHANISMS FOR SAIDACTUATING MECHANISMS FOR SELECTIVELY MOVING SAID HEAD IN A FIRST CLOSINGSEQUENCE FROM SAID OPEN POSITION SUCCESSIVELY INTO SAID STANDOFF,CONTACT AND PRESSURE-APPLYING POSITIONS AND IN A SECOND CLOSING SEQUENCEFROM SAID OPEN POSITION DIRECTLY AND SUCCESSIVELY INTO SAID CONTACT ANDPRESSURE-APPLYING POSITIONS.